We make the trip several times a year and we always wait til we get to DC to have something good to eat! Pick up some banh mi in NOVA and have a nice little picnic somewhere, nothing worth stopping at along the way that I've ever found.

It's nothing spectacular, but it's easy to get to and cheap. (Just go down to very end of the turnpike ramp and make a right at the light.) Most/all pies are good at Summit Diner, so worth it to stop even just for pie perhaps. Plenty of local regulars seem to stop in.

Like Whigsboy and Rick, I have driven this route more times than I can count. I could probably make the drive to DC or Philly with my eyes closed, and may have on a couple occasions. And...I have never once found anything along the way to eat, save for a quick stop for some fast food.

However, I have not tried the Summit Diner, despite knowing exactly where it is. I just never once thought to stop in there. Maybe I'll give it a shot sometime in the near future. It's in a good place for a stop.

Reading the Post-Gazette yesterday, though, I noticed that Munch did a write-up for Pine Tavern in Somerset, which has an exit off the turnpike. I've never been to Pine Tavern, had not previously heard of it, and don't know if it's any good. For what it's worth, Munch generally reviews greasy spoon and ethnic type joints and is rarely too effusive or too damning in his praise, and I've found his various suggestions to be very hit-or-miss. Probably more hits than misses, but it's fairly close.

Anyway, Pine Tavern looks to be typical bar food from the write-up, so if that's your thing it might be worth checking out. Maybe others on the board have some experience with this place. I am mentioning it on this thread just because it caught my eye.

Funny you would mention the Summit Diner. I was in Lancaster the last couple of days, and stopped at the Summit for lunch. While I try to eat healthy food, when I got there the had chicken and gravy over waffles, with a side of mashed. That's all it took for me to forget salads. Of course I finished the meal off with a slice of banana cream pie. Delicious!

Over the years, I've been to the Pines several times. If I'm traveling alone and stay over in Somerset it's a good choice for a decent meal and a drink or two. They have a friendly bar, and the food, while not great, is pretty good.

Out of the Fire Cafe is just 1 mile from the Donegal I-70/I-76 turnpike exit. It is truly an oasis of dining excellence that we recently found on a trip through the area. Don't miss their house smoked salmon platter for a starter. It's byob. Seemed to be very popular with the locals and we can see why.